Essex police are warning of bogus door-to-door sales and tradesmen who have defrauded victims out of thousands.

According to Essex police there has been an increase in fraud carried out in this way by Asian men claiming to represent the utility industry.

The fraudsters falsely obtain bank details and alter meter readings before requesting victims pay their bills, at which point the money will go into the offenders bank account.

They will also request refunds from the energy company, with the money being put into the offenders account.

Alternatively suspects state they can offer discounts on utilities and take payment from the customers.